Passing on Gaelic Language Through Culture

Nova Scotians with a strong interest in developing their Gaelic language and culture skills can now apply to participate as apprentices in a mentoring program that matches them with fluent speakers.

The Bun is Bàrr (root and branch) mentoring program, offered through Gaelic Affairs, will help to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers and tradition bearers. Apprentices will learn traditions and language by practicing cultural traditions with both fluent learners and community elders.

"This is a holistic learning approach where language, culture and community are interwoven," said Gaelic Affairs Minister Randy Delorey. "It helps to recreate a community of speakers which is important to maintain Nova Scotia's unique Gaelic identity."

One of the goals of the program is to reintroduce language, song and story into the everyday lives of Gaels in Nova Scotia. As part of this program, mentoring teams will visit elders, socialize with other speakers, and pick up language and culture they can use at home and in the community.

"This is the only area outside of Europe where a Gaelic identity community that is deeply connected to place, has survived and persisted for generations," said Lewis MacKinnon, executive director of Gaelic Affairs. "This identity is expressed through the cultural gatherings, festivals and musical ambassadorship of a distinctly Nova Scotian people, the Gaels."

Gaelic Affairs supports Nova Scotians in reclaiming Gaelic language and identity by creating awareness, working with partners and providing tools and opportunities to learn, share and experience Gaelic language and culture.

For more information, including application guidelines for the program, visit the Gaelic Affairs website. The deadline for application letters is Tuesday, September 15.